"To hell with the Council," Lucien spat, didn't care about the spears or the violet radiation pouring off her.
He threw himself forward, sprinting through the suppression field. The violet energy burned his skin, his clothes smoking as he neared her.
Dante and Adrian were right behind him, moving as one, ignoring the Enforcers who tried to grab them.
They reached her at the same time.
Lucien wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her small frame against his chest. Adrian dropped to his knees in front of her, cupping her face with trembling hands, while Dante threw his coat over her, shielding her body with his own as he embraced them both.
"Lilian! Look at me!" Adrian shouted over the roar of the artifact. "Stay with us! Don't let go!"
The violet energy lashed out, striking the princes. They groaned in agony, their vampire skin blistering while their own lifeforce being sucked into the vacuum alongside hers.
They were being cooked alive by the artifact meant for her.
